Mammogram, Screening

Instructions and Information for Procedures / Tests

Please Note - What you see here is for information purposes only. While physicians have
been consulted on this information, your specific condition may require
additional instructions. ALWAYS consult with your physician to obtain
specific information about the procedure or the instructions for your
procedure.

Procedure Name: Mammogram, Screening

Where to Report: Please enter through the Women's Life Center Entrance and take the
elevator to the Terrace Level. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before
your scheduled appointment. Even if you have recently been hospitalized,
you must register.

What to Bring: - Physician Order
- Any forms from your physician relating to this visit
- Your insurance / Medicaid / Medicare card
- Driver's License / Photo Identification
- All of your medications OR a listing of all medications along with the
dose, how often you take it, and the last time you took it
- A list of all of your allergies
- Please check with your insurance carrier for any authorization requirements.
- Any films or reports from relevant studies not performed at Southern Regional.

Patient Instructions: - Bring your previous studies that have been done at other facilities.
- Please read the Procedure Information for additional instructions and
information.
- Please follow any other specific instructions given to you by your doctor.
- If you are getting a biopsy, do not eat or dring 4 hours prior.

Procedure Information: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. Screening mammograms are used for
routine check up for women who do not have symptoms. The purpose is to
identify breast irregularities before they can be self-detected. This
type of mammogram involves x-rays from two angles on each breast and is
completed at Southern Regional in approximately fifteen minutes.

The best time to do a mammogram is at least a week after menstruating when
the breasts are less likely to be tender. Remove deodorant from under
the arms before the mammogram.

You must remove all clothing and jewelry from the waist up and wear a gown.
The mammogram technologist will place your breasts, one at a time, on
a platform while you stand in front of the x-ray machine. A plate will
compress your breast tissue during the x-ray. This pressure may be uncomfortable,
but lasts for a few seconds only. Compression spreads out the breast tissue
and improves the chances of seeing any abnormal areas. Some women may
reduce discomfort from the x-ray by avoiding caffeine for a week before
the mammogram.